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Found on eBay: 1953 Bristol 403

August 19, 2013

Less than 300 examples of the Bristol 403 were built. Photo by ebay user: driversource

Remember the time when Bristols were BMWs? That's right, a few decades ago, before they became our favorite automotive anachronisms, Bristols were based on pre-war BMW designs. And this week there's a Bristol 403 from 1953 on eBay. So what's this car all about?

The Bristol Aeroplane Company took the designs of the BMW 327 saloon and BMW 328 engine, among others, and immediately began building cars right after the war. The Type 400 came out first in 1946, using the 2.0-liter inline-six powerplant from the BMW 328. The Type 401 followed in 1948 with a few changes, and the 403 first came out of the Bristol factory in 1953 still looking like a BMW on the outside. Throughout all these years, the BMW signature kidney grille remained. And in contrast with other British cars of the time, this car is actually as big on the inside as it is on the outside.

The car offered here, on eBay from a classic dealer in Houston, is very much a driver example with some bumps and bruises, though it is said to be mostly original.

The 403 is quite a tall car in person, and even though its a coupe, its roomier inside than in some British sedans we've been in. Photo by ebay user: driversource

The seller writes:

"This rare alloy motorcar is finished in dark blue lacquer paintwork over red leather hides and displays an older cosmetic restoration, while retaining much of its original instrumentation and trim. Chips and scuffs are visible throughout the exterior paint which is only expected from aging restoration. The cabin's upholstery remains in great condition overall, with just the right amount of patina. A classic Moto-Lita steering wheel replaces the accompanying original."

The interior is very charming, though the color of the leather may not be to everyone's taste. Photo by ebay user: driversource

The last 403 we saw was a brilliant maroon example that had once belonged to the late collector Martin Swig. With only 275 examples of this model built, and one of 10 believed to be in the U.S., each Bristol 403 car is a little different from the next. Bristol has a long and proud history of updating its older cars, so the standard rules regarding originality apply to Bristols only loosely. In that, it perhaps has more in common with cars like Tatras, which tended to receive facelifts and engine swaps at the factory as they aged.

Even the kidney grille was carried over from the BMW 327 saloon. Photo by ebay user: driversource

Bristols make great cars for vintage rallies, being very hard-working performers, and the sellers are keen to point out this fact:

"The Bristol starts right up, while the gauges, sunshades and accessories function as intended. A well sorted and an incredibly strong driving example, the Bristol's motor supplies plenty of power to an equally smooth transmission, resulting in outstanding road manners across the board -- both city and freeway driving alike. This car is suited to the true driving enthusiast and would make for an exceptionally uncommon addition to any collection. A number of original spare parts, vintage UK plates, articles, service specs MOT certificates, tax IDs, import paperwork and original Instruction Manual accompany."

Some say this was the last good looking Bristol, but we happen to be fans of the Zagato-styled 412 Beaufighter. Photo by ebay user: driversource

Just how many Bristols can there be in the U.S? Not counting the Arnolt-Bristol Bolides, which seem to pop up at every major auction, not that many. Just about 20. And they tend to be the earlier models, with only a couple of 1980s Blenheims present in the U.S. and Canada. We've seen only about half a dozen in recent years, and they weren't exactly street spottings.

The issue of parts availability doesn't quite apply to these heavy beasts, as parts for cars like these tend to just be refabricated from scratch when needed, which is often the simplest thing to do.

There is some spirited bidding going on here, and we won't be surprised if we see the car turn up a year from now on a vintage tour through California wine country wearing a fresh coat of paint and some vinyl rally livery decals.